Ducks’ Selanne isn’t ready to consider a trade

Teemu Selanne has dealt with the annual summertime decision of whether to lace up his skates for another NHL season and hasn’t surprised anyone by returning to the Ducks each time.

But with his team possessing a 10-21-6 record and being a near lock at missing the postseason, the franchise icon might have to consider another tough call — whether to ask for a trade to a Stanley Cup contender and leave.

In what could truly be his final season, Selanne skated around the topic of possibly leaving the Ducks on Monday as they returned to practice at Honda Center.

“I’ve read some stories in the papers too about what the situation could be,” said Selanne, who took the day off for maintenance. ”To be honest, I haven’t really thought about that too much. I still believe that we can make the playoffs. I don’t want to think about that thing before we’re out.

“So right now, I just think I’m going to be here. That’s the only goal I have right now. Right now, I can’t see that happening. The focus is still do the job here now and see how it goes. A lot of work to do. It’s a big challenge right now.”

Optimism flowed from Selanne as he talked to the Register but the reality is the Ducks have yet to show any sign of generating some sense of momentum. They have only six victories — none in consecutive games — since their four-game win streak that followed their season-opening loss to Buffalo.

As they’re about to reach the midpoint of the season, the Ducks would have to pull off the mother of comebacks and hope that several teams ahead of them falter. A much more likely storyline is General Manager Bob Murray looking to get the best return he can for the few tradeable assets that he has.

Murray will have to decide whether he can win with his current core. Bobby Ryan was on the trade block in late November while Ryan Getzlaf is one that is starting to be mentioned in rumors and would be the player that could bring the biggest package if the the Ducks went that route.

But there would also be a list of contenders lined up to add a future Hall of Fame winger with 648 career goals to his name. What if the Ducks are still spinning their wheels in the coming weeks up to the Feb. 27 trade deadline?